Class Teacher

We have both permanent and fixed term maternity cover Class Teacher positions available. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so we encourage you to apply early. Please also complete the Schools Application Form.

York Steiner School is a thriving independent school for children aged 3–16, offering an inspiring Steiner-Waldorf education. A very important part of our ethos and school structure is that the Class Teacher "holds" the class both academically and pastorally throughout their learning journey. The class teacher forms a very deep bond with the class as they accompany their class ideally through to Class Eight. The job description below includes general class teacher responsibilities but also specific aspects related to Class One and Two in the first instance.

Key Responsibilities:

• To lay the foundations for the journey ahead.
• To establish good classroom habits and routines, helping the children to develop a class dynamic that is both nurturing and purposeful.
• To seek to understand the children, working to nurture the healthy development of their physical, social, emotional and intellectual capacities, understanding their strengths and weaknesses and structuring work accordingly.
• To provide a balanced curriculum at a pace suitable to the children's age and development, based on an understanding of Waldorf pedagogy/child development.
• To maintain good discipline, holding boundaries and developing children's confidence to ensure that effective learning can take place in the class.
• To work with classroom assistants, subject teachers and learning support in a collaborative and supportive way.
• To develop the children's capacity for critical thinking and problem solving, perseverance, academic curiosity and independent study and research, ensuring good work habits are established.
• To engage in pedagogical study/discussion and child observation with colleagues and take a proactive and compassionate approach to addressing areas of concern/need.
• To share their subject knowledge with other teachers and classes where relevant.
• To strive to be a reflective practitioner on a path of self-development and participate actively in the appraisal process.

Monitoring Progress and Parent Communication:

• To take overall responsibility for the progress of the pupils including feedback, assessment and monitoring.
• To organise regular class and one-to-one parents' evenings.
• To complete detailed end of year reports.
• To provide necessary updates to parents as and when appropriate.
• To support and participate in the enrolment process for new pupils.

Other Responsibilities:

• To coordinate the purchase of materials for the class.
• To organise class trips, events and festivals.
• To provide cover for absent colleagues when the need arises.

Compliance:

• To maintain the classroom environment to a high standard and observe Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• To participate in staff meetings where relevant.
• To operate within the school's policies and procedures including safeguarding.
• To attend statutory and non-statutory training courses as required.

Training: For non-Steiner trained teachers who have PGCE/QTS, the school will fund a Postgraduate Diploma in Waldorf Education and Creative Pedagogies run by Bath Spa University.

Person Specification:

Qualifications, Training and Experience:

• Essential: An understanding of Steiner Waldorf Education and the Ethos of York Steiner School.
• IT skills including Microsoft Office and G suite.
• Maths and English GCSE.
• Desirable: Teacher Qualification (either PGCE/QTS or Steiner Waldorf training).
• Degree level qualification.
• At least two years teaching experience.

Personal Qualities:

• Professional, positive, friendly and approachable.
• Ability to relate to and inspire children.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and on your own.
• A commitment to the school and a desire to become part of the school community.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with parents and internal and external colleagues.
• A positive attitude to work, being responsible, self-motivated, proactive and flexible.
• Resilience and a sense of humour in times of pressure.
• Adaptability in the context of a small school.

Annual Leave: 28 days (inclusive of bank holidays) in the first year, 31 days in the second year before rising to 33 days after 3 years (pro-rata). There will be a 12 month probationary period.

We implement safeguarding protocols in all aspects of our working practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and this will include social media checks.

York Steiner School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring that every job applicant or employee receives equal treatment irrespective of sex, marital status, age, race, nationality, disability, sexuality or religious belief.